Laker and ex-Laker player numbers used as code for drug amounts

Drug dealers are using the names of current and former Lakers players to indicate the amount of drugs being sought, narcotics LAPD Det. Frank Lyga says in an article on Elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

Drug dealers are using the names of current and former Lakers players to indicate the amount of drugs being sought, narcotics LAPD Det. Frank Lyga says in an article on Elementsbehavioralhealth.com. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

“It’s sold using basketball names for the amount wanted,” Los Angeles Police Department narcotics Det. Frank Lyga said in the story. He explained that those seeking 24 ounces would reference Kobe Bryant, who wears No. 24. Shaquille O’Neal and Lamar Odom are other codes.

Said Lyga: “So, they’ll call up and say, ‘I want a Kobe,’ or, ‘I want a Shaq. Or, you want a Lamar?’”